Q & A : Sheffield Wednesday

Today we speak to Andy Parsons, devoted Owls fan and editor of Sheffield Wednesday Mad ahead of this weekend's clash.

1) Last time we visited the blue part of Sheffield it was a memorable day for us, since then how have the Owls faired, has there been more ups than downs?

Yeah I would agree with that. I remember staying behind on the kop to watch your lads celebrate and I thought to myself - I wish that was us. But going up via the play-offs the season afterwards was fantastic. Best way to go up in my eyes but it's a lottery. Since that day in Cardiff we have struggled to adapt to the Championship but we are getting there. We have been hit by injuries and it's hard to get players in at times but I am sure that next season will be more prosperous!

2) When we were promoted many of our fans were delighted but remained optimistic that we had what was needed for a top half finish- we finished mid-table, like we look like doing this season. What were Wednesday's aim's at the start of the season?

Survival I think. I speak to the players on a regular basis and they all said at the start of the season that staying up would be an achievement. I thought that we would do better but looking at the table now it's clear to see we are going through a bad run. But you always have to look above and forget what's below you.

3) It's the first time in a few years you seem to have had a bit of consistancy at the club, what has Paul Sturrock brought to the club?

He has brought a bit of a will to win and determination. He is the first to admit he has made mistakes this season but he is the man for the job no question. Turner brought in the players a few years ago, and Sturrock got the best out of them. Now if he can get the best of out the players he has brought to the club I think we will go from strength to strength.

4)Is there a plan in place for Wednesday? In 5 years playing Premiership football? Or are you just taking every season as it comes?

I think this season was to survive, next season was to consolidate and the season afterwards was for a promotion push. We all know it never works that way and it all depends on money. Turner said that we would be playing in Europe in five years time when he was appointed - we did - we have played in Wales and in Ibiza! But we get the backing from the fans, we just have to attract the players, pay the wages and I am sure the rest will take care of itself.

5) Who will be the unsung heroes to watch out for when we play on Saturday?

I would like to say Richard Wood but I don't think he will be fit. So Graham Coughlan, who has been immense since coming to the club will be the man to lead the team. Deon Burton has played well but not scored since his arrival from Rotherham United so hopefully he continues his good form and gets a goal.

6) Who has been your Player of the Season up until Saturday?

Coughlan has been outstanding, so has Frank Simek at right-back. We are missing John Hills as well who is one of Sturrock's most underrated signings by far.

7) What style of football to Wednesday play at home?

Usually with a high tempo and quite direct at times. We have good passers and wingers but don't seem to use them as often as we should. We don't let many goals in at home though so hopefully we can build from the back. To be honest I don't care how we play as long as we win!

8) What do you expect from QPR? Who will stand out?

I have always rated Gareth Ainsworth, the sort of player who can create things from nothing and get his foot in too. Danny Shittu and Martin Rowlands have always impressed me too. But QPR have some good players and I hope we are up for the task.

9) if you could change one thing about your season what would it have been?

The position!!!!! And the fact our club can't attract any players. Kevin Horlock went to Doncaster on loan and we weren't even in for him, he would have been perfect. We couldn't pay Dennis Wise's wages - very disappointing!

10) Saturday's prediction?

I'm always wrong when I predict results, not got one right all season so I predict a Wednesday loss - touch wood I keep on with my current form! Seriously though it is the biggest game of the season and we will be up for it.

So there you have it, it's one of their biggest games of the season, Frankie Simek is a contender for Player Of The Season at Hillsborough and they have identified 'Wild Thing' as the key man in our side.

VITAL QPR- VITAL NEWS FOR VITAL SUPPORTERS!

Thanks to Andy Parsons, editor of Sheffield Wednesday Mad.

Use your social login to comment on front page articles. Login using you Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn accounts and have your say!

Writer:

Your Comments (oldest first)

Rangers are likely to be without Marc Nygaard ans Steve Lomas when they leave tomorrow afternoon. Both players are still struggling with injury.
Marc Bircham should return to the team and Kevin Gallen is also in line to continue up front.
Simon Royce came through 90 minutes in the reserve team on Tuesday afternoon and will be challenging Paul Jones for the goalkeeper's jersey.
For full team news log onto VITAL QPR tomorrow.

Simek wasn't too bad for us when we needed him, good to see his performing well for them. He tried hard but didn't think he was good enough for us.
I would like to see Stefan Moore given a run in the team from now until the end of the season, he has potential but cannot show it when's he's in and out of the team every week.
I know people don't rate him but we haven't seen the best of him, the players rate him very highly!

I really rate Paul Sturrock. He was got unlucky at Southampton - the wrong man in the right place. I'm sure he would have done a tremendous job had it not been for Rupert Lowe's gargantuan ego.
It's still an unenviable job at Wednesday. The finances appear even tighter than at Rangers, and Hillsborough has aged beyond the point where it could attract FA Semi Final gigs and the like. If approaching the transfer deadline next winter it's looking like another slog and a job with a more cash available is going begging (e.g. Wolves) would Sturrock hang around???

Good point, I rate him highly too, his Argyle sides were always well organised and played some great football. Look at David Friio- under Sturrock at Argyle he was easily the best midfielder in the division, now with Forest you hardly hear of him.
He's a decent manager, Wednesday should stay up, I hope they do- nice to see the name in our league rather than in the third tier and especially with the crowds of there size turning up each week.

Cookie Policy
At Vital Football, we along with most other modern websites use small files called 'cookies' to create the most secure, effective and functional website possible for our users. Without these files our business model, based on advertising, breaks down and we would be unable to continue to provide the services that you are here to utilise. By continuing to use this website after seeing this message, you consent to our use of cookies on this device unless you have disabled them. For full details please read our Cookie Policy which can be found here. However, if you would like to disable cookies on this device, please view our Cookie Policy which contains an opt-out tool for disabling advertising cookies. Please also visit our information pages on 'How to manage cookies' if you would also like to block all other types of cookies. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies.